Cancer Prevention!: No One
Cancer Prevention!: No One
Cancer Prevention!: No One
No one food can prevent cancer. However, eating a balanced diet that includes
foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is important. Making these
healthy lifestyle choices, staying active and maintaining a healthy
weight can go a long way in reducing your risk for cancer.
Many foods are beneficial to your overall health and reduce your risk of cancer and other
chronic diseases. Here are five we recommend adding to your diet.
Berries
“Berries are a wonderful source of vitamin C,” says Lindsey Wohlford, a wellness
dietitian at MD Anderson.
Most berries also contain antioxidants. Studies show these antioxidants protect the
body from cell damage that could lead to skin cancer, as well as cancers of the bladder,
lung, breast and esophagus.
Many berries have proven benefits for heart health. These include lowering blood pressure
and cholesterol, while reducing oxidative stress.
They may also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by acting as great alternatives to
sugary snacks.
Grapes
Grapes are a rich source of the antioxidant resveratrol. Studies show that resveratrol
has the potential to possibly stop cancer from starting in the breast, liver, stomach and
lymphatic system.
“The grape’s skin has the most resveratrol, so leave the skin intact,” Wohlford
says. Red and purple grapes have significantly more resveratrol than green grapes.
Serving Size: About 15 grapes
Broccoli
These mighty greens are in the cruciferous vegetable family, along with cauliflower,
cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale. Studies show that broccoli and
its family members have special plant compounds that may protect the body from stomach
cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus.
Tomatoes
The tomato gets its classic red hue from an antioxidant called lycopene. Studies
show that lycopene has the potential to fight prostate cancer. The evidence is even
stronger for processed tomato products like tomato sauce and even ketchup.
“Processing the tomato ups its health-boosting power because it releases the lycopene so
it can be more easily absorbed by the body,” Wohlford says
Whole grains
Grocery store shelves are filled with grains and grain products. But not all grains are great
for your health. Whole grains are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and plant
compounds and may curb your cancer risk.
The fiber found in whole grains helps you stay full longer, maintain a healthy weight, and
keep your cholesterol and blood sugar stable.
“Foods that are lower in calories and sugar and higher in fiber can help you manage your
weight. All those things reduce the number of calories you consume,” says Wohlford.
“Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your
cancer risk.”
To lower your risk for many types of cancer—as well as other serious disease—aim to build
your diet around a variety of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, nuts, beans, whole
grains, and healthy fats. At the same time, try to limit the amount of processed and fried
foods, unhealthy fats, sugars and refined carbs you consume.
LOWER YOUR RISKS WITH ANTIOXIDANTS!
Diets high in fruit may lower the risk of stomach and lung cancer.
Eating vegetables containing carotenoids, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and
squash, may reduce the risk of lung, mouth, pharynx, and larynx cancers.
Diets high in non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and beans, may
help protect against stomach and esophageal cancer.
Eating oranges, berries, peas, bell peppers, dark leafy greens and other foods high
in vitamin C may also protect against esophageal cancer.
Foods high in lycopene, such as tomatoes, guava, and watermelon, may lower the
risk of prostate cancer.
FILL UP ON FIBER!
Fiber, also called roughage or bulk, is found in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains and
plays a key role in keeping your digestive system clean and healthy. It helps keep cancer-
causing compounds moving through your digestive tract before they can create harm.
Eating a diet high in fiber may help prevent colorectal cancer and other common digestive
system cancers, including stomach, mouth, and pharynx.
Avoid trans fat or partially hydrogenated oil found in packaged and fried foods
such as cookies, crackers, cakes, muffins, pie crusts, pizza dough, French fries,
fried chicken, and hard taco shells.
Limit saturated fat from red meat and dairy to no more than 10 % of your daily
calories.
Add more unsaturated fats from fish, olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Omega-3
fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, and flaxseeds can fight inflammation and
support brain and heart health. (more on healthy fats
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/choosing-healthy-fats.htm)
Instead of sugary soft drinks, sweetened cereals, white bread, pasta and processed
foods like pizza, opt for unrefined whole grains like whole wheat or multigrain bread,
brown rice, barley, quinoa, bran cereal, oatmeal, and non-starchy vegetables. It
could lower your risk for colorectal and prostate cancer as well as help you reach a
healthy weight.
Do not cook oils on high heat. Low-heat cooking or baking (less than 240
degrees) prevents oils or fats from turning carcinogenic. Instead of deep-frying,
pan-frying, and sautéing, opt for healthier methods such as baking, boiling,
steaming, or broiling.
Store oils in a cool dark place in airtight containers, as they quickly become
rancid when exposed to heat, light, and air.
Avoid food that looks or smells moldy, as it likely contains aflatoxin, a strong
carcinogen most commonly found on moldy peanuts. Nuts will stay fresh longer if
kept in the refrigerator or freezer.
Be careful what you put in the microwave. Use waxed paper rather than
plastic wrap to cover your food in the microwave. And always use microwave-
safe containers.
Some studies have indicated that the use of pesticides even at low
doses can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as leukemia,
lymphoma, brain tumors, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
Links:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/choosing-healthy-fats.htm
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/diets/cancer-prevention-diet.htm
https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/foods-lower-
cancerrisk.h29Z1590624.html